Stories
Learning visit to Lusaka National Museum
For most of the children we serve, Chilenje is home,
the only place they have known. It’s where they were born, where they go to school, and where their closest friends live. Life, for them, is Chilenje.
To help broaden their perspectives, we organise field trips that take them beyond their everyday surroundings, to places they might not otherwise have the chance to see. These trips are designed for both learning and enjoyment.
You can be part of this journey. Sponsor one of our quarterly trips and help open up a world of new experiences for our children.
Natubelenge Children’s Library Joins Regional Partners in Uganda to champion Learning through play
Our staff joined Global Fund for Children (GFC) partners from across sub-Saharan Africa in Uganda for a vibrant convening focused on making learning more creative and joyful for children.
The gathering was part of GFC’s Partnership to Educate All Kids (PEAK) initiative, supported by the LEGO Foundation, which connects grassroots organizations working to help children recover from pandemic-related education disruptions and thrive in environments that support future success.
The convening brought together organizations from Zambia, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore play-based approaches that promote child-centered learning. Natubelenge Children’s Library staff participated in hands-on sessions and meaningful discussions, gaining new insights to further enrich our literacy and learning programs.
Bank donates African Literature books to a Children’s Library
The United Bank of Africa (UBA) in Zambia donated 200 African Literature books to Natubelenge Children’s Library, a non-profit Library based in Lusaka’s Chilenje township that provides educational resources and capacity building opportunities for children and young people in underserved communities.
The donation was made through the UBA Foundation Read Africa Initiative, intended to promote quality education and uplift the lives of the communities the bank operates in.
UBA Zambia Media Relations Officer Evans Nyoni handed over the books to the library on behalf of the bank.
From Scotland to Zambia: A Celebration of Culture and Community Support
This year, Natubelenge Children’s Library was honoured to be recognised by the Lusaka Chapter of the Caledonian Society, joining other inspiring organisations as one of their awardees. The Society, a trust committed to supporting local charities like ours, also plays a vital role in celebrating and sharing the richness of Scottish culture and traditions. The award ceremony, graced by the British High Commissioner, was a truly memorable occasion.
We are deeply grateful for the generosity and kindness of individuals like the members of the Caledonian Society. This kind of support has been instrumental in keeping our library doors open.
Celebrating Literacy Day with a Mini Children’s Book Festival at Our Library
In honour of International Literacy Day, which falls on the 8th of September every year, our library hosted a mini children’s book festival that brought together children from our community and surrounding neighbourhoods. The event was not only a celebration but also a meaningful step forward in our mission to provide accessible and engaging educational resources for children of all backgrounds.
The festival was a vibrant showcase of creativity, learning, and community spirit. Children participated enthusiastically in a range of activities, including arts and crafts, where they were encouraged to express themselves through colourful drawings and mosaics, highlighting the importance of literacy not only through reading and writing but also through visual expression.
Board games and indigenous games offered a blend of fun and learning, promoting cognitive skills such as critical thinking and cooperation. These activities also provided an opportunity to introduce children to cultural heritage.
Equally important was the chance for socialisation. The festival created a safe and welcoming environment where children made new friends, shared ideas, and built a sense of community.
This event underscored our commitment to nurturing a lifelong love for learning. By integrating play and creativity into educational initiatives, the turnout from both our immediate community and neighbouring areas reaffirmed the vital role that community libraries play in bridging gaps and supporting holistic child development.
We are grateful to all the families, volunteers, and staff who contributed to making the festival a success.
